Kids and Sleep. . . A Helpful Infographic. . .
If we are truly called as followers of Christ to do all things to the glory of God, then we’ve got to include sleep in that list. Yes. . . sleep is actually a form of worship. Who knew?!? And since…
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Teens And Dating Abuse. . .
If you start your day with the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other, you are aware of two realities in today’s world. First, relationships and dating among our teenagers are horribly broken. And if that’s the…
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Facing Grief And Other Difficult Stuff. . . This I Know. . .
A recounting of a 1962 interaction during a post-lecture Q and A session between a university student and the late theologian Karl Barth tells of the inquisitive student asking Barth, “Can you summarize your whole life’s work in theology in…
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Grief. . . and God. . .
Things are not the way they’re supposed to be. God’s good creation has been broken, marred, and distorted by sin. Death is now part of our lives. Perhaps we put off the thoughts until the tragedy of death hits home.…
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Friday Fodder. . . The Meaning of Sex. . .
Navigating the emerging landscape of sexuality and gender is a difficult endeavor in today’s culture. How do we come to a deep understanding of the Creator’s design for sex, sexuality, and gender? How do promote human flourishing (facilitated by God’s…
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Teens and Texting While Driving. . . A Helpful Infographic and Advice. . .
Did you know that almost 40% percent of driving-aged teens here in the U.S. say they text while driving. One of the first times I ever spoke publicly on this issue here in Pennsylvania I was saddened to learn that…
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A Letter to Youth Workers. . . (aka “Theologians”) . . .
“We’re not going to be talking about theology here.” I’ve heard that statement uttered many times as a preface to a youth ministry training session. I’m not sure that maybe I haven’t said something like that myself on occasion. If…
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Friday Fodder. . . Teaching Kids About The Surety Of Troubles. . .
“Come and follow Jesus. . . and everything will fall into place.” Count me in as someone who has heard, believed, and sought after that reality over the course of my life. In many respects these words are true when…
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Youth Ministry’s Crucial Cultural Mission. . .
Because I grew up in a Pastor’s home, we oftentimes had missionaries visit and stay with us. I remember listening to the stories and watching the slide shows they’d deliver during the all-ages Sunday School hour. These encounters shaped my…
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Youth Workers. . . Nurturing Parents Into Nurturing Their Kids. . .
Youth workers. . . three realities about life and youth ministry. . . and one response. . . Reality 1) Jesus calls us to “come and follow me” in every nook and cranny of life. Discipleship training must touch every…
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Transgender Kids. . . And Rapid-Onset Gender Dysphoria. . .
I’m not sure that there’s anything these days that’s created a greater cultural buzz in our youth groups and churches than the issue of transgenderism. For those of us who are older, the long-view of life offers a perspective that…
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A Message To Moms About Their Influence On Body Image. . . .
Several years ago I embarked on a little journey into the world of advertising to get a better sense of how marketing has shaped body image pressures and expectations for our girls. I began by looking at marketing efforts to…
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